Motor Vehicles

To legally operate a vehicle in Italy while stationed at Aviano Air Base, all personnel must obtain an AFI Driver’s License. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid stateside or EU driver’s license. This license is mandatory for operating any privately owned vehicle in Italy.

AFI License Application Process

• Be at least 18 years of age with a valid stateside or EU driver's license
• Obtain AFI study materials and application guidance through the 31 FSS PCS Welcome Site: 31fss.com/driving-overseas/
• Complete the required online knowledge test (100 questions)
• Achieve a minimum passing score of 90 out of 100

Online Test Retake Policy

• First failure: minimum 24-hour wait before retesting
• Second failure: minimum 14-day wait before retesting
• Third failure: minimum 60-day wait before retesting

All applicants must attend the Traffic Safety Briefing, which is conducted on Wednesdays during Newcomers Orientation (Wyvern Welcome). For more information about Newcomers, contact the Military & Family Readiness Center at DSN 314-632-5407.

Submitting Your AFI License Application

Applications may be submitted online or in person. Applicants must upload or provide the following documentation:

• Copy of orders, logistical support letter, DOCPERS authorization, or Command Sponsorship letter
• Copy of stateside or EU driver's license (front and back)
• Common Access Card (CAC) or dependent ID (front and back)
• Completed NATO AFI Driver's License application

Please allow a minimum of three full business days for processing once all requirements are met. Processing times may vary depending on application volume. Members are strongly encouraged to verify the expiration date of their current driver's license before departing the United States.

All privately owned vehicles must be inspected and registered on base prior to operation. Vehicles shipped to Aviano are processed through the Vehicle Processing Center (VPC). Refer to the Household Goods section for shipment tracking information.

Vehicle Limits and Restrictions

• Maximum of three vehicles per sponsor under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement
• Motorcycles count toward the three-vehicle limit
• Trailers and mopeds under 50cc do not count toward the limit

Large Vehicle Considerations

Many Italian roads and parking areas are narrow, and fuel costs are high. Command-sponsored members may receive reduced-cost fuel vouchers; however, the allowance is based on engine size and applies to only one vehicle. Some members find large vehicles impractical to operate in Italy.

Vehicle Purchase Options

• New and used vehicles are available from Italian dealers, private sellers, and military-affiliated dealerships
• Automatic transmission vehicles are limited and often more expensive
• No tax is charged when purchasing from military-affiliated dealers; however, some U.S. states may charge sales tax upon re-registration
• Vehicles not meeting U.S. specifications may not be authorized for shipment back to the U.S.
• Financial counseling and budgeting assistance is available through the Military & Family Readiness Center

Vehicle Insurance

Vehicle insurance is significantly more expensive in Italy due to high minimum coverage requirements. Full coverage costs more than liability-only policies. The only American insurance providers operating in Italy are USAA and GEICO.

Vehicle Insurance Contacts

Vehicle insurance is required for all vehicles registered in Italy. Due to high minimum coverage requirements, insurance costs are typically higher than in the United States. The only American auto insurance companies operating in Italy are USAA and GEICO, both of which are familiar with Italian and Aviano Air Base registration requirements.

USAA (London Office)

• DSN: 99 800 971 707
• Cell: 800 971 707
• Cell (Italy): 800 5318 1110

GEICO

• Italy Phone: +39 0434 661 360

When requesting insurance coverage, ensure you ask for an “Italy Certificate of Insurance” or equivalent document. The certificate must reflect the correct vehicle cover plate prior to scheduling a registration or transfer appointment.

Motorcycle Operation in Italy

• Under age 18: not eligible for an AFI license
• Age 18: may operate motorcycles up to 35 kilowatts
• Age 20: may operate motorcycles of any size with proof of a motorcycle endorsement held for at least two years
• Age 24: may operate motorcycles of any size

Due to Italian licensing restrictions, some personnel choose not to ship motorcycles if they are not eligible to operate them legally upon arrival.

VPC / Shipped Vehicle Pickup

• 302 document issued by the VPC upon vehicle arrival (48-72 hour processing window)
• Italy Certificate of Insurance or equivalent is required prior to registration
• USAA and GEICO are recommended insurers due to familiarity with Italian requirements

Purchasing from Military-Affiliated Dealerships

• Dealer packet provided at time of purchase
• Customs documentation issued during registration
• Safety inspection completed within 15 calendar days of registration

Purchasing from AFI-Privileged Members

Seller responsibilities include:

• Valid safety inspection within 60 days of transfer
• Turn-in gas card if transferring a primary vehicle
• Valid and paid road tax for secondary vehicles
• Official lien release if applicable (zero-balance statements are not accepted)

Buyer responsibilities include:

• Possession of a valid AFI license prior to scheduling transfer
• Italy Certificate of Insurance reflecting the vehicle cover plate prior to appointment

Online Vehicle Registration Applications

The Vehicle Registration Office now accepts online applications for initial vehicle registration. Once submitted, customers will receive an email notification when documents are processed and ready for pickup.

• Vehicles Shipped with VPC Application: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/behkw2Tv3j
• Vehicle Driven from EU Country Application: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/M4RQeDDS6i
• Vehicles Purchased from Italian Dealer/Private Owner Application: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/FN5sduVhtp
• Vehicles Purchased from U.S. Dealership New/Used Application: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/ys2VtNkgCB

Because Aviano Air Base is an overseas installation, U.S. state driving laws do not apply. All vehicle operation must comply with Italian law, NATO Status of Forces Agreement provisions, and installation-specific regulations.